"The gate agent started mocking my child’s name, laughing, pointing at me and my daughter, and talking to other employees," Redford told KABC. "So I turned around and just said ‘Hey, I can hear you. If i can hear you, my daughter can too. I’d appreciate it if you’d just stop.'”

In a statement provided to USA TODAY, Southwest Airlines said it has since followed up with the employee involved, but did not disclose any actions taken.

"We extend our sincere apology to the family," said the airline in its statement. "We take great pride in extending our Southwest Hospitality to all of our customers, which includes living by the Golden Rule and treating every individual with respect, in person or online."